The hiring of Gautam Gambhir to lead Team India appears to have encountered a minor roadblock due to wage talks.
The Indian cricket team is still without a recognized head coach, as Rahul Dravid’s tenure expired after the completion of the T20 World Cup 2024. A second-string Indian side has flown to Zimbabwe for a 5-match T20I series, with VVS Laxman, the head of the National Cricket Academy (NCA), standing in as interim head coach. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already interviewed two applicants for the position, Gautam Gambhir and WV Raman, with the former set to take over.
However, the announcement has been delayed because BCCI secretary Jay Shah has already announced that the new coach will take command beginning with the Sri Lanka series. According to the Indian Express, the delay in making the official announcement is due to continuing salary negotiations between Gambhir and the board.
Along with Dravid, his coaching staff, which included batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, has ended. After Gambhir’s appointment becomes official, the board must begin the process of recruiting additional coaches.
According to reports, the board intends to give Gambhir entire control over the selection support staff. Gambhir, a former top-level opening batsman, may not even be employed as a batting coach.
BCCI secretary Jay Shah previously stated, “Both coach and selector appointments will be made shortly.” CAC has interviewed and shortlisted two candidates, and whatever decision they make once in Mumbai will be followed. VVS Laxman is moving to Zimbabwe, but a new coach will join from the Sri Lanka series.”
The Indian team is set to tour Sri Lanka for three T20Is and as many ODIs beginning July 27.
